Calgary’s water system moves to stabilization after passing quality testing

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has deemed that the water in Calgary South Bearspaw water feeder main meets and exceeds water quality standards, which means that it is safe for consumption.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has deemed that the water in Calgary South Bearspaw water feeder main meets and exceeds water quality standards, which means that it is safe for consumption. (Graphic credit to The City of Calgary)

"... Today’s milestone moves The City past filling, flushing and testing to the most critical step in restoring Calgary’s water system and network - stabilization," The City of Calgary stated in a news release on Sunday.

Capital Priorities and Infrastructure Director Francois Bouchart explained that stabilization is a complex process that doesn’t only focus on the repaired pipe sections, but means crews have to stabilize Calgary’s entire water network.

"This step carries the largest amount of risk, and we have contingency plans to ensure we can respond quickly if required."

Stabilization is a process that will require work in several areas around Calgary over the coming days. The work includes opening valves, and flushing and adjusting pumps throughout the system.

"Following the good news that water testing results meet and exceed water quality standards allows our teams have moved on to the next step in the restoration of service," explained Calgary Emergency Agency Chief Susan Henry. "We are now focused on stabilizing Calgary’s over 5,000 kilometres of water pipe and the system that supports it. While we’re not quite out of the woods yet, we’re getting closer and will continue keeping Calgarians updated as things progress."

On Saturday, the Calgary area recorded 447 million litres of water usage, a 26 per cent reduction in water use.

"We thank Calgarians for continuing to practice good water habits to ensure Calgary remains under the safe demand threshold."

A fire ban remains in effect for the City of Calgary, while Airdrie has downgraded to a fire advisory.

Previously closed sections of the Bow River Pathway that were detoured, and the parking lot at Point McKay north of Edworthy Park and the river near Bowness Road are once again open to the public.

16 Avenue Northwest is open to traffic in both directions, however some paving work is still required. Speed is reduced along certain areas of 16 Avenue Northwest where feeder main repairs were completed. Paving is expected to be completed later this week.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM

DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts, click here.